Nigeria 2 - Ethiopia 1

Photo by Simon Maina

Ethiopia were at home before a raucous capacity crowd in Addis Ababa to face Nigeria in the first leg of their CAF Third Round series.  Ethiopia started very well as Nigeria struggled to find possession in the early going.  However, the Waliya Antelopes were having trouble making the possession turn into chances on goal.  Saladin Said came within a couple centimeters of putting Ethiopia ahead after pushing the ball under the arm of oncoming Nigeria goalkeeper Victor Enyeama and on frame.  However, Godfrey Oboabona was able to track backward to clear off the line.  The altitude seemed to affect the proceedings, enough so that a water break was given.  Said sent in a wicked shot that Enyeama had to parry away on the fly.  Nigeria were glad to survive the first half at 0-0.

It took a while, but the first goal came before the first hour of play had elapsed.  A mishit cross by Behailu Assefa caught Enyeama napping.  Enyeama tracked back to make the catch, but he did so after the ball had already broken the plane of the goalmouth to put Ethiopia ahead 1-0.  Emmanuel Emenike had seen enough and decided to single-handedly drag Nigeria back into the match.  The striker made a strong solo run, fighting for space before belting a goal from twenty-third yards out midway through the half to make it 1-1.  Ahmed Musa nearly gave Nigeria a lead, but his shot struck the near post and ricocheted back into play.  Aynalem Hailu tackled Emenike from behind in the box on a late breakaway, giving Nigeria a penalty kick.  Emenike dusted himself off and converted the penalty to put the Super Eagles ahead with time expiring.  Nigeria win the first leg 2-1 and will gladly take two road goals with them as they play the second leg at home next month.

Goals
Nigeria
Emmanuel Emenike 67, 90 PK

Ethiopia
Behailu Assefa 57

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2195444/index.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24513902
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/10/super-eagles-good-brazil-beat-ethiopia-2-1/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijSxBbMGBTs